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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

By What’s Baking

Perfectly flaky salmon with a crisp exterior, infused with herbs and lemon, ready in minutes from your air fryer.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot captures glistening air-fried salmon fillets arranged on a minimalist white ceramic platter. The salmon displays a perfect sear with caramelized edges and visible herbs clinging to its moist, flaky flesh. A cross-section view reveals the tender, coral-pink interior that separates into perfect flakes. Soft natural light highlights the juicy texture while creating gentle shadows that emphasize the salmon's crisp exterior. Fresh lemon wedges, scattered dill sprigs, and a small ramekin of creamy dill sauce accompany the fish. Droplets of olive oil and a gentle sprinkle of flaky sea salt add final gourmet touches that catch the light beautifully against the rich salmon color.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 salmon fillets (about 150g each)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon wedges, for serving</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or zester</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and prevents the salmon from drying out in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that cooking begins immediately when the salmon is added, creating that desirable crisp exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin and proper seasoning adhesion. Check each fillet for any pin bones and remove them with fish tweezers if present.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Using a pastry brush, generously coat each salmon fillet with the herb-oil mixture on all sides. Ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in your air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Leaving space between pieces allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Air fry at 190°C for 7-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. For medium-rare salmon, cook until the internal temperature reaches 50-52°C. For medium to well-done, aim for 54-57°C. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done but still remain moist.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a flat spatula to avoid breaking the fillets. The skin should be beautifully crisp and easily separate from the flesh if you prefer not to eat it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in more flavorful and moist salmon.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional fresh dill if desired. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice adds a perfect finishing touch that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 240 calories
🥑 Fat: 14 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 2 g
🍭 Sugar: 0 g
🍗 Protein: 26 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 72 mg
🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

How can you tell when salmon is perfectly cooked in an air fryer?

Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork while remaining moist inside. The internal temperature should reach 50-52°C for medium-rare or 54-57°C for medium to well-done. Look for a crisp exterior with an opaque appearance that's transitioning from translucent to coral-pink in the centre.

Can you cook frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Add approximately 3-5 minutes to the cooking time (10-15 minutes total), and consider lowering the temperature to 180°C to ensure the salmon cooks through evenly without burning the outside.

What are the best side dishes to serve with air-fried salmon?

Air-fried salmon pairs beautifully with light sides like roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. For heartier options, consider serving with rice pilaf, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. A creamy dill sauce, lemon butter sauce, or tzatziki makes an excellent accompaniment.

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